The location of a proposed private school in Toms River, N.J. (Credit: Google Earth)
The would-be operator of a private high school in Toms River has applied for a use variance to open the school in a residential zone, placing into the hands of the township’s zoning board. The latest request comes after the township’s zoning board denied an unrelated application on the opposite end of town to allow a homeless shelter to operate in a residential zone.
A public notice issued Monday offers few details on the prospective high school, which would be located at 105 Sunset Avenue in the western portion of the township. The facility was most recently occupied by Medex Home Health Center, which is no longer operating at the location. The owner of the property will remain the same; the use variance to turn the building into a private high school is being requested by New Jersey Home Care Services LLC, which is registered to Shia Weber, according to state business records. The building is set back from Sunset Avenue, situated between the Ocean County Youth Detention Center to its west and the Shore Youth Shelter to its south. It is roughly bordered on the east by an auto body shop.
The current building on the site would remain – no new construction is being proposed – however schools are not permitted in the Rural Residential zone in which the property is located, necessitating the use variance. Shorebeat has requested additional information on the application and is awaiting a response.
According to tax records, the property was last sold in 2024 for $2,080,000. The 8.51-acre site contains a 9,560 square foot building with an attached open porch. The public notice states that Weber is seeking – in addition to the use variance – permits for renovations to the existing building, the milling and paving of the property’s parking lot, and other associated improvements.
The use variance being sought requires approval by a supermajority of zoning board members. There is also one minor bulk variance being requested – a lot width of 77 feet where 150 feet is required. There are also several minor design waivers being requested for the property’s irrigation system, existing parking layout and the location of a refuse container.
A hearing on the proposal will be held June 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the township municipal complex, 33 Washington Street.
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